I Bought The Ugliest Furniture In The World - Then Transformed It!

Welcome to Lemons to Lemonade Furniture! In today’s makeover, I take on what might be the ugliest piece of furniture in the world - a dated and unattractive buffet. But don't worry, I’m here to show you how to transform this eyesore into a stunning, must-have piece of furniture. Whether you're looking to upgrade your home decor or flip furniture to pay off debt, this video is packed with tips and tricks to help you turn even the ugliest finds into beautiful, trendy pieces.
Watch as I break down the entire transformation process, from assessing the piece’s potential to choosing the perfect materials and techniques. You’ll see how a little creativity and elbow grease can completely change the look of any furniture.
If you love DIY projects, furniture makeovers, and home decor transformations, hit that like button, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss a video. Let’s turn this ugly duckling into a beautiful swan together!
If you have any questions that remain unanswered after watching the video, please feel free to ask me in the comments. I always respond to comments.
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All Supplies Used In This Video Can Be Found Here:
Simple Green: rivr.link/P31-simgree
Bondo Glazing Putty Wood Fill: rivr.link/P31-KyOTy0
Bondo 2-Part Putty: rivr.link/P31-OuJ37d
Foam Roller Paint Set: rivr.link/P31-sBSQof
Glazing Putty Scrapers: rivr.link/P31-ddhpxk
Country Chic Paint Sage Advice: rivr.link/P31-u08HgQ
Country Chic White Glaze: rivr.link/P31-8YQkCx
Country Chic Top Coat: rivr.link/P31-xiidk0
Deck Stain Brush: rivr.link/P31-MtOK_7
Small Nylon Scrub Brush (for grass cloth details): rivr.link/P31-MbrKPD
Surfprep 3x4 Ray Sander: shorturl.at/hwzB1
Save 10% use code : Lemonstolemonade10
Order my mask from :RZ Masks Link: bit.ly/3g8Q5cr
Save 10% use code:: LEMONS
Sanding Tool List: rivr.link/P31-iKKbjk
Country Chic Best Paint Brush: lvnta.com/lv_zsfn1TThZzAwwdIR...
Hot Glue Gun: amzn.to/3RXUE9d
Rubbed Bronze Pulls: rivr.link/P31-6APySq
Medium Grit Sanding Pads: rivr.link/P31-HtpfHR
Restor-A-Finish Mahogany: rivr.link/P31-w3jgj-
My TOP SUPPLY PICKS for starting a furniture business: shorturl.at/asB29
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#potterybarnfinish #furnituremakeover #furnitureflip

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

This one is different I know! BUT I think I already have it SOLD! Lesson learned: don't be afraid to try new things on pieces that are cheaper. It was easy to do & I know what I would change for next time! What did you think of todays flip? Do you want to try this out or is it a pass for you?? Let me know!

[@sandyleet1]

Doesn’t really matter what we think. It’s the people who want to purchase furniture who matter I enjoy you, seem so down to earth. Thank you

[@OhioBeverly]

I loved it!

[@user-nh6yf6mj8s]

Very pretty but you can see the old hardware holes

[@DigsRetro]

To get scratches and dents out, you can spray with water and then iron them to lift them right up. Then, sand afterward because the water raises the grain.

[@crisshartsell8542]

Too sloppy for me! You always amaze me with your creativity. Just not my style

[@peggym60]

Not a fan of this. Would’ve preferred a smooth paint finish.

[@suzanneperkins4549]

I watched your video on this and the finished product on my TV did not look finished. It looked like it had runs and other things in it but evidently what you see on the TV screen and what it really looks like is not the same if it’s sold in two hours, then it must’ve been neater than it looked on the TV screen. just love your videos. I’ve been a subscriber of yours for about the last four years I think and the fact that you guys got out of debt oh, I so wish I could do something like that but at 77 I don’t think I’ve got the body for it. Keep up the good work, girl.😊

[@fleurjardin1012]

I enjoyed watching the process . I like the green color you chose but I don't like the look of the technique. It just looks messy.

[@dianahampton8768]

What a transformation. It’s absolutely beautiful. I’m surprised you didn’t point out the outstanding feature of the piece which is the inset design. It takes so much more precision to make those pieces fit exactly into each hole that it fits into. Any carpenter can build overlay drawers and doors but it takes great precision to build a piece like that. So the potential was immediately obvious. Thank you so much for sharing what you do with us.

[@kimberlypaloma5499]

Too splotchy for me, it doesn't look like the picture you showed us. It's a no, for me. I usually love your makeovers...there always amazing...just not this one. Sorry.

[@mistygeller3193]

I honestly love it! It’s modern, yet casual and could even say that it’s beachy feeling! The color is just sooo pretty! It could go rustic too! Really fun idea and technique!! Thank you for sharing this!!

[@prairiestorm5045]

Wow, the ugly duckling truly became the beautiful swan! Beautiful work!

[@kimdickinson5277]

Have to agree with most of the comments, not a fan. I flip furniture as well and I know how much work is involved. Hope you sell it!

[@pompommania]

It was a beautiful piece. What a bummer.

[@carolantezana936]

Always good to try new techniques. It’s how we push ourselves and learn!😊

[@lydiakinnaman3679]

I like the lines of the peice. Love it, the colors my favorite. Lot of work... amazing.

[@markshaw5711]

Turned out so soft and pretty! Another great project ! -Jill 😘

[@cheribaker1591]

It's beautiful!!

[@christinemcgovern2849]

OH. MY. GOD! You worked your butt off on that one but what a difference!! It came out stunning! I love that green color. Good on ya Lady!! Please keep the videos coming! xo

[@marywiggins7411]

Love the color for sure. I need to try those products. I do see uneven texture and some accumulation on the front in places around the trim.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

yea it happens with a glaze this thick but I just rolled with it for a rustic vibe.

[@patriciaraschdorf5514]

LOVE IT I SEE IT AS A BABY DRESSER WITH BASKETS IN THE LOWER SHELVES FOR BABY ITEMS THEN WHEN SHE IS OLDER PART OF HER BEDROOM SET

[@kestrelpounces]

Great eye as usual!! The hardware debate is interesting. I totally agreed with your aesthetic choice last week, yet you were probably wise to defer to people touting current trends. I do wonder if it makes sense to hold on to and store the hardware. Trends do come and go, or could be sold in bulk to a furniture restoration business. I think it's so brilliant how you often mold and recast missing trim!! The first time I saw you do that, it immediately opened up more possibilities of furniture to flip. I struggle with hot glue molds, but find silicone caulk mixed with corn starch is flexible and reusable. Thank you for sharing another awesome transformation!! 🩵

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

oh yea the caulk is another great option. Glue sticks are readily available in this house lol! thanks for watching!

[@christinemcgovern2849]

I know I always hold on to every screw, bold, piece of hardware, handle, hinge, etc. LOL!! You never know when they'll come in handy or when you can upcycle them for another project! xo

[@cliffhorman6846]

Its grate seeing different finishes. If you don't try, you don't know. Above all however you truly are a master of your craft.

[@pamsheets632]

I love this! Looks refreshing with the color and grass cloth texture! Fantastic job! 👍👏👏👏😊❤

[@janhaley1212]

I like it, especially the green undertone. Green is definitely my favorite color. Have you ever tried other brushes to get different effects? I just read the comment about the wallpaper brush. Great idea. Looking forward to your next flip! It’s neat that other furniture flippers watch your channel and ask for advice. Stay cool this summer!

[@nancysnyder5254]

LOVE IT❤❤❤

[@TheQueenVictoria62]

I love this! Nice job!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you! 😄

[@peddlinpatricks]

GIRL!!! That was amazing! I love doing pieces like that. Such a great feeling. Be so proud of this. That was great!!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

thank you! Not bad for a first try!

[@CountryChicPaint]

Great demo! Also, I love your flower hair clip. So cute!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you! 😊

[@lynellelaws7589]

Love watching your transformations. This finish isn’t for me either but your skill’s have inspired my hubby and myself.

[@lilbfly02]

Stunning! 😍

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you! 😊

[@Sleepy_schneepy]

Lots of hard work but it paid off. Love your work. Keep up the great flips!!!!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Yes! Thank you!

[@robinkulaszewicz9952]

Not my style with the painting technique. I saw navy with gold hardware for that piece. But that’s the beauty of paint. We can all paint like we want.

[@cynthiastanfordsuppon5761]

100° Girl I'd have been toast!!! This was a fun idea. Grasscloth is such a timeless look. I think you chose a color that seems to sell well these days and I love how you replicated that trim piece. The only thing I would have done differently, is to only do your strokes with the little metal brush all in one direction L to R, or R to L and not to do the grass cloth look to the top or the base. Generally, real grass cloth would be nearly impossible to bend over details, or put on a surface that would damage real grasscloth. It's both a designer and cabinet maker thing. I just love what you come up with, so keep 'em coming:)

[@michaelamaestas4950]

SO NICE , Great JOB !!!!!!!!!! turned out so good, awesome color... YES

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you so much!!

[@kimyoung7849]

Love it!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

So glad!

[@eileens9881]

I loved the "old" piece. I think it should have been restored, There are plenty of "cheap" newer pieces that can and should be changed, but, in my opinion this piece should have gone back in time.

[@meridethhendry5733]

Very nice! Love it!

[@rbk2855]

It looks great!

[@krisaaron5771]

I've been fighting with a similar piece of furniture and was almost ready to concede defeat when this vid popped up WITH A SOLUTION TO THOSE EEEEvil missing trim pieces!! *Thank you thank you thank you* for giving me the answer! I owe you a drink and a meal out, but as travel is difficult for me I'll buy you a coffee or a wish-list goodie instead. Now, if you've got a solution for a couple forced to share a two-car/workshop garage, one sound system (he loves classic rock; I'm the jazz-aholiic) and an overworked paint booth while storing our "wait list" projects in the bedroom, I must ask: Did Apple really get started like this?

[@marilynweist2645]

Looks good and it’s very different! I like the color too! 🎉

[@joyceschetter5871]

As usual it’s turned out awesome!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Yay, thank you!

[@kimhartmann4414]

Hi Kara. Just wondering if you have ever considered a mini split AC system. I live in the Austin area and put one in my garage and I love it. We also insulated our garage door. The only disadvantage is I much prefer when it's cool enough out to work with the door open rather than closed. But it's really been nice to have it, not only in the summer, but humid rainy days as well.

[@paulastrong7571]

Came out better than I expected! Great job 👍

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@kimhough7753]

It looks great Kara! But dang that looks like a lot of work to get the texture. Hope she sells fast! 🥰🥰🥰

[@AlenBeals]

I think a dog brush would work better since it’s bigger. It did Turn out really beautiful. Great technique for us to try.

[@katalintorok2538]

Big fan of your videos but not this transformation. Up close looks a little sketchy. But the glue gun, bondo mold trick was brilliant!

[@kimberlyshupe3519]

I have a feeling it won’t be ugly for long!!!

[@tammyvinas2120]

I ❤it👍

[@karinapfel650]

I realky like the bones of the piece and if it was veneer, I'd love to have see it refinished just with less fussy hardware.

[@cindyhoward9620]

Pretty. Has anyone ever ask you to sign the furniture you sold them?

[@rettpanda6203]

I'm in my mid 40s. I like the hardware but can understand when you gotta change the vision.

[@christineschiebel2890]

Have you ever removed the bat wings from the old hardware and kept the simple part. I tried it and it doesn't look bad. "Ban the batwings" they are dated

[@cindywhite878]

Can you share the link to your marketplace profile? I would love to see the items you have for sale!

[@deawallace3584]

Red and green are opposites, but the light green and dark mahogany tones are visually off. You must be exhausted or distracted because this is not on par with your usual "afters.' Nevertheless, you have a great channel that I watch often. I appreciate your hard work and that you usually produce very nice pieces.

[@cboyle707]

Check out Colonial furniture. I'm seeing similar pieces (especially with those plain handles) doing for upwards of 20,000. (Chippendale)

[@SarahParalegal]

Was that piece cherry wood with dove tail joints? It looked like a really old piece.

[@lisbethslvhj5380]

Youre SO good ❤

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

awww thank you!

[@MrsJax304]

I like your new hair

[@rosaliefunk1629]

This piece was an old hag who turned into a princess. Love the color and the finish!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

thank you! I agree! Hope your weekend is great!

[@katherineharper-sj4ys]

I like the finish both color and texture. However I don’t think this is the ugliest piece I’ve ever seen. It had mostly clean lines and without that horrible hardware it wasn’t bad.

[@rockshot100]

Don't know why but they put those exact handles on everything, no matter the style for like 50 years. I think I hate them for "overload", maybe. Same exact thing with that skirt, every piece of furniture had that on it. I know you don't have a table saw, but still often times it is just 4 screw and so much easier to cut off that scallop when not attached. Sometimes structurally it is not even needed so I just attach the legs to the carcass without it. My 2 cents (before inflation). Loverly as usual. I hope I am not counted as one who screamed at you about the hardware, You already know I am your No.1 fan, I may have gently suggested that hardware was not a good idea. Did adding even small legs improve it? I wonder if using a wide wallpaper brush would be easier to get my cross hatching straight. I am a complete failure at this finish.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

every single piece has those handles! lol the person that designed them is laughing all the way to the bank! no, I didn't count you, haha! You know me, I always love a good suggestion. 3 yrs in and plenty left to learn. At this point it is usually waiting on Amazon to arrive vs a video being due BUT it makes for good content and lots of comments ; ) Small legs were a huge improvement. I have a feeling that just the legs alone would have sold it bc the hardware was pretty nice when it was tarnished up against that raw wood finish. I have seen some use the green rubber dog brushes on amazon to get this grass cloth effect. I want to try that next time bc I think I already have this sold so people like it! I'll link the dog brush here: amzn.to/4eTDhQJ. I like the look of the 2 sides and different compactness on this brush, its also wider so less chance of crooked lines. You will see this technique shortly im sure! lol Have a great weekend!

[@rockshot100]

@@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture Thanks. To be clear, I am talking about the 18" brushes used to smooth the wallpaper not the one used to apply the glue. I am going to try it again. Last time was a disaster.

[@williambabbitt7602]

First, I would say you do not throw out the hardware what made it look old-fashioned now was elegant in the day. What goes around comes around you throw it away. You love to spend money to find something that will approach you like then put it away, clean it well, keep it in plastic. Period pieces are exactly that. That is 1940 style hardware as well as the chest.

[@user-eq6wb8zt8l]

I don’t mind the look, it’s just a bit too rough in parts for me

[@hauwaisa6983]

You got the potty barn look

[@lisasmith5997]

Hot glue as trim mold 🤯

[@OhioBeverly]

I meed to find your Pottery Barn video...thats may next one

[@kathleenellison6869]

You have a great eye, good bones on that piece

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@kathleenellison6869]

Love the cool transformation, you just may have coaxed me out of retirement

[@janish3059]

I liked it much better in its original form as now it looks like a plain generic and boring piece. Should have just sanded it down and refinished it in its original state put on antique polished hardware🤔

[@periux100]

Thank you for sharing your tecnique😅 I didn’t like this one ,but nice try!😊

[@cboyle707]

I actually like this one, but...Was that a antique??? Looks like somethings Ive seen when touring the houses of our founding fathers. A primitive piece worth thousands. I looks like it about 1-200 years old. I would have taken a picture and let AI tell me what it was.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

No it was not.

[@kmtx78]

From ugly to she's a beaut Clark!

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Thank you so much!

[@Alice.saidit]

I am sorry, but it looked so sloppy around the detail on the doors and drawers. Not a fan.

[@pompommania]

It's a beautiful piece of furniture that just needed to be restored. I can't believe you butchered it that way.

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Hilarious

[@christianhelms6676]

Personally do not like it but I'm sure someone will

[@NoNamePrincess7]

I dislike green!!!!!’

[@ftwtexasstephens9629]

Nope

[@user-jl4dh3tk6l]

No do not like this one

[@gailnye9791]

It’s too splotchy. Sorry.

[@jtu6866]

You look like an 80s mom

[@LemonstoLemonadeFurniture]

Why thank you!